Kieran Donaghy has confirmed his intention to continue playing for Kerry in 2018.

The 34-year-old is committed to a 14th season in the green and gold, news that will be warmly welcomed in the Kingdom. Donaghy's last appearance for Kerry ended on a sour note when he was sent off in the closing stages of last August's All-Ireland SFC semi-final replay defeat to Mayo, but he clearly feels he still has a lot to offer.

"I've always said it, I'll retire when I can't help Kerry anymore," the four-time All-Ireland winner told the Irish Examiner.

"Would it be easy for me to go out now? It would be easy. After a very good year at 34, nominated for an All Star, and have people saying: 'Jesus, he was a great bit of stuff. Wow, you should never have retired, man, you were flying.'

"Rather than what I'm risking now and the ball doesn't hop my way and things work against me and people going: 'Ah, man, you should have gone last year.'

"But that's fine and, if I don't help Kerry on the pitch or I feel I can't help Kerry on the pitch, I'll be retired quicker than you can sit down. 

"I still feel I can do a job for Kerry and I still enjoy it, so why would I retire? Because society thinks I should retire? Because when you get over 30 in the GAA they all think you should retire?"

Donaghy will miss Kerry's Allianz League campaign due to his involvement with the Garvey's Tralee Warriors basketball team.

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